Other Posting boxes
Alongside the more traditional letter boxes, the BPMA collection also holds a range of the more unusual boxes. Non-traditional boxes actually have a strong history within the Post Office. The idea of locally built, bespoke, boxes in some cases pre-dates the standard issue box we recognise today.
Within the BPMA collection there are around ten examples of these 'other' boxes. The largest group is the private posting boxes. We also hold mobile boxes, bracket boxes and boxes especially made for particular sites.
The idea of a large country house having its own box in which the residents could post their letters securely is believed to pre-date the British pillar box. These boxes did not become more common, however, until later.
Examples from our Collection
Here are some examples of other posting boxes in our collection:
Bracket Box, c. 1880
Bracket boxes were used at Railway Stations, on boats and at some Government buildings.
Mobile posting box, 1901-1910
An example of the mobile posting boxes that were used in the early years of the railways.
Private Posting Box, c. 1940
The Post Office collected letters from boxes like these, situated in houses or buildings.
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Collection & Delivery
Examples of the collection and delivery machines in our collection
Collection and delivery are two of the hardest processes to mechanise, although there have been some successes.
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Postal Markings
An in-depth look at rare and unique British postal markings
Find out more about our collection of postal markings, and view a number of special studies online.
